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Outbreaks

Public Health works with long-term care and retirement homes in managing their outbreaks, and provides guidance on infection control measures. If there is a suspect or confirmed outbreak at a home, call Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4752 (during business hours) or 1-877-884-8653 (after hours, weekends, and holidays). To view a list of facilities in outbreak, refer to Public Health’s outbreak bulletin.

Gastroenteritis Outbreak definition

Suspect: 2 suspected cases of infectious gastroenteritis in a specific area, such as a home, unit, or floor within 48 hours

Confirmed: 3 or more cases of infectious gastroenteritis in a specific area within a four -day period, or three or more units/floors having a case of infectious gastroenteritis within 48 hours. Note: This definition may be modified as the investigation proceeds.

Respiratory Outbreak definition

Suspect Respiratory Outbreak: Two cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) within 48 hours in a geographic area (e.g., unit, floor) ORmore than one unit having a case of ARI within 48 hours

Suspect Influenza Outbreak: One laboratory-confirmed case of influenza OR two cases of ARI occurring within 48 hours in a geographic area (e.g., unit, floor) OR more than one unit having a case of ARI within 48 hours

Confirmed Respiratory Outbreak: Two cases of ARI within 48 hours, at least one of which must be laboratory-confirmed OR three cases of ARI (laboratory confirmation not necessary) occurring within 48 hours in a geographic area (e.g., unit, floor) ORmore than two units having a case of ARI within 48 hours

To report a suspect or confirmed outbreak, call Public Health

During business hours: 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4752

After hours, weekends, and holidays:1-877-884-8653

When reporting an outbreak, the following information needs to be provided to Public Health:

Number of ill residents and/or staff

Symptoms

Date of symptom onset

Affected unit, floor, wing

Hospitalizations/deaths

Once a suspect or confirmed outbreak is declared, homes will be directed to complete a daily line listing (specific to either respiratory or enteric) and line list summary fax cover sheet and fax it daily to Public Health at 1-855-934-5463. Public Health will monitor the outbreak, and provide direction on the following:

Specimen collection (Public Health will pick up specimens and arrange transfer to the Public Health Laboratory)